Hsu Shih

Hsu Shih (許石), born on September 23, 1919, was a pioneering Taiwanese composer and musician renowned for his dedication to preserving and popularizing Taiwan's folk music. After studying music in Japan, he returned to Taiwan in 1946, where he embarked on a mission to collect and rearrange traditional folk songs, often collaborating with lyricists and intellectuals. His efforts culminated in significant works like the 'Symphonic Folk Songs of Taiwan' and large-scale folk music presentations, making him a key figure in Taiwanese cultural heritage.